Vision-based golf ball locator (VBGL)

• Main Authors: Ang, Arnel Jose G., Cortez, Anthony Brian C., Lozano, Nimrod Tristan M., Pelobello, Ray Gerard V.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2006
• Subjects: Golf balls; Robotics; Computer Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/14289
• Institution: De La Salle University

Current applications of vision based robotic systems item recognition thru color, size and shape, lane following, and item sorting. The problems mostly encountered with these vision systems are their strict requirements such as constant lighting condition and non-occlusion of target objects. The Vision-Based Golf Ball Locator seeks to improve these systems by giving them adaptability on certain changes in lighting and partial occlusions. The VBGL is designed as a prototype system to aid in the collection of golf balls in a driving range. The use of such a system is expected to reduce if not prevent hazards encountered by people working in golf driving ranges. The VBGL is designed for the detection and collection of golf balls. It uses photoelectric sensors to guide its path and to detect if an object is within the path of the system. It uses a mounted camera for its vision, taking a snapshot of the image if an object is in its path. It uses a personal computer for controlling the movement and image processing. With the aid of these components, the robot was able to detect golf balls with an accuracy of 100% provided that golf balls are within camera range, lighting conditions remain favorable and partial occlusions do not exceed 50%. Retrieval accuracy was also 100%, as long as the retrieval mechanism remains unobstructed during retrieval.